Online check-in 'benefits all'

An aviation industry spokesperson has lauded the increasingly popular trend of online check-in, saying that it is beneficial for both passengers and airlines.

James Freemantle of the Air Transport Users Council (AUC), which is the UK's consumer council for air travellers, said that the first benefit of web check-in is cost.

It is more cost-effective for airlines to check their passengers in online, he said, which increases the likelihood that customers will be offered cheaper fares.

The second benefit for both travellers and carriers is practicality, Mr Freemantle claimed.

"For passengers it's very easy to check in online, they don't have to wait in queues in the airport, they can do it at their desk, get their boarding pass and arrive later for the flight," he said.

"I can't see any disadvantage to it. It's the way the industry's going and it's good for airlines and good for passengers."

The AUC spokesperson compared online check-in to e-ticketing and said that airlines that offer options such as these, which are designed to make travelling easier, are more likely to attract customers.

Posted by Graham Greenaway on the 30/10/2007 12:08:55
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